CF Montreal sign former Panathinaikos midfielder Ilias Iliadis
By Chris Smith
CF Montreal have signed Canadian-Greek midfielder Ilias Iliadis in a free transfer, the club announced Friday.
Iliadis has signed a two-year deal through the 2024 MLS season, with Montreal holding options on 2025 and 2026.
The 21-year-old was born in Toronto, but joined the youth system of Greek giants Panathaninaikos in 2015, most recently scoring two goals in 34 league appearances for the club's B team between 2021 and 2022.
Eligible for both Canada and Greece internationally, Iliadis has played twice for the latter so far at U18 level.
“We are very happy to offer this young Canadian the opportunity to join us and play at the MLS level,” Montreal vice president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard said in a club press release.
“He’s left-footed and can play any position in midfield. He spent many formative years with a prestigious club in Greece. We welcome him to the club.”
Iliadis is Montreal's fifth signing this offseason alongside the likes of George Campbell and Aaron Herrera, as well as the returning Victor Wanyama.
Despite a considerable roster overhaul that has included the departures of key players like Djordje Mihailovic, Alistair Johnston, and Ismael Kone, Montreal will be looking to build on their club-record second-place finish in the Eastern Conference last year.
New head coach Hernan Losada, taking over from Wilfried Nancy who joined the Columbus Crew, will oversee his first MLS match with Montreal away at Inter Miami on February 25.